US Launches ‘Self-Defence Strikes’ On Iranian Missile Sites Amid Ceasefire Talks

The US military carried out what it described as “self-defence strikes” on Iranian missile launch sites and boats near the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

According to CNN, citing US Central Command (CENTCOM), the strikes targeted missile launch sites and Iranian boats allegedly attempting to deploy mines near the strategically crucial waterway.

“U.S. forces conducted self-defence strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces,” CENTCOM spokesman Timothy Hawkins told CNN in a statement responding to reports of explosions near the Strait of Hormuz.

He added that the targets included missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to deploy mines.

“US Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire,” Hawkins told CNN.

The latest military action comes after earlier confrontations during the ceasefire period. In early May, US forces struck Iranian military facilities allegedly linked to “unprovoked” missile, drone and small boat attacks on American warships transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

What Did Trump Say About Iran’s Enriched Uranium?

The military strikes came hours after US President Donald Trump suggested that Washington and Tehran had made progress in ceasefire negotiations, particularly on Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile.

Trump stated that Iran’s enriched uranium, which he referred to as “Nuclear Dust,” would either be handed over to the United States for destruction or eliminated under international supervision.

“The Enriched Uranium (Nuclear Dust!) will either be immediately turned over to the United States to be brought home and destroyed or, preferably, in conjunction and coordination with the Islamic Republic of Iran, destroyed in place or, at another acceptable location, with the Atomic Energy Commission, or its equivalent, being witness to this process and event,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

The statement appeared to indicate some flexibility from Tehran as negotiations aimed at ending the conflict continue.

Has Iran Agreed To Give Up Its Uranium Stockpile?

Trump’s remarks also aligned with a report by The New York Times claiming that Iran has agreed “in principle” to relinquish its stockpile of highly enriched uranium as part of a broader US-led framework intended to reduce regional tensions.

The uranium issue had reportedly emerged as one of the biggest sticking points in negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

CNN had earlier reported that disagreements over “language on Iran's nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions” had slowed efforts to finalise a broader agreement.

Trump also maintained that any future agreement with Tehran would need to be substantial.

Earlier, Trump asserted that any forthcoming accord with Tehran would strictly manifest as a “great and meaningful” deal, warning that the administration would walk away if negotiations failed to meet expectations.

Why Does Iran Say The Negotiations Remain Difficult?

While Iran acknowledged progress in talks, Tehran also expressed frustration over what it described as shifting positions by American officials.

Esmaeil Baqaei said the two sides had resolved several issues but cautioned against assuming that a final agreement was close.

“It is correct that we have reached conclusions on a large portion of the discussion topics, but to say that this means the signing of an imminent agreement is something no one can claim. The frequent changes in the positions of American officials complicate every negotiation”, Baqaei said.

(With inputs from ANI)